19 Kislev - 19 Tevet December 2015
Cantor Ruth Berman Harris
Services
Shabbat Shirah – Our Annual Fundraiser Concert Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 PM A Celebration of Freedom I have a dream that of liberation, the voices one day this nation will of our ancestors who rise up and live out the stood at the shore of the true meaning of its creed: sea. I am now calling "We hold these truths to be you to honor not only self-evident, that all men the voices of our people are created equal. but also all the voices of I have a dream that our country's oppressed one day on the red hills people. of Georgia, the sons of This year, our Shabbat former slaves and the sons of former Shirah annual concert will provide slave owners will be able to sit down us with the unique opportunity to together at the table of brotherhood. celebrate the gift of freedom that I have a dream that one day we experience in our personal lives, even the state of Mississippi, a state in our Jewish community and that sweltering with the heat of injustice, which is shared with the communities sweltering with the heat of oppression, around us. will be transformed into an oasis of I invite you to come, sing, freedom and justice. dance and enjoy the energy and I have a dream that my four little camaraderie that we can generate children will one day live in a nation when we open our hearts to the where they will not be judged by the interfaith community and to each color of their skin but by the content other. We are inviting all members of of their character. the Pasadena and Altadena churches I have a dream today. and their choirs to join us. As our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. special guests, we are honored to In the spirit of Martin Luther have with us Gregory Jones, Minister King's dream, I invite you to join of Music of the First AME Church PJTC on Saturday night January 23 of Los Angeles leading the Gospel at 7:30 PM for our Annual Shabbat Singers. We will also honor Dr. Shirah Concert. Invitations will be Martin Luther King Day. mailed soon. No words can be greater than Jewish tradition calls this Shabbat our actions. And no experience is a the Shabbat of Song, in honor of the greater than sharing the gift of the song that Moses and Miriam sang liberation of the soul from slavery after our people's transformative to freedom. passage from slavery to freedom in Celebrate this gift of Shabbat their way to the Promised Land. Each Shirah with us! year in the middle of winter, we are Cantor Ruth called upon to hear the singing voices
Minyan Services are held every Sunday in Knell Chapel, beginning at 9:00 AM. December 4/5
Parashat: Vayeshev
Tot Shabbat 6:45 PM Knell Chapel Honoring Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater Fri. Service 7:30 PM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg hosted by the Temple Board and Sisterhood Torah Study 9:00 AM Lounge Shabbat in the Round 9:30 AM Social Hall Knell Minyan 9:30 AM Knell Chapel Kiddush hosted by Kaileh Pistol December 11/12
Parashat: Mikkets
Whitman Dinner 6:00 PM Social Hall Fri. Service 7:30 PM Galpert Sanctuary Oneg hosted by the Men’s Club Torah Study 9:00 AM Lounge Shabbat Service 9:30 AM Social Hall Kiddush hosted by Shabbes Minyan Group December 18/19
Parashat: Vayiggash
Fri. Service 7:30 PM Social Hall Oneg hosted by Sisterhood Torah Study 9:00 AM Lounge Service 9:30 AM Social Hall Knell Minyan Service 9:30 AM Knell Chapel Kiddush hosted by Carolyn Kunin December 25/26
Parashat: Vayhi
Fri. Service 7:30 PM Social Hall Oneg hosted by Sisterhood Torah Study 9:00 AM Lounge Shabbat in the Round 9:30 AM Social Hall Kiddush hosted by the Shabbes Minyan Group
Congregational Meeting Sunday December 13 10:00 AM Galpert Sanctuary
The FLAME If you prefer to receive the FLAME by mail at no charge, please email the office at info@pjtc.net.
1434 N. Altadena Drive • Pasadena CA 91107 http://www.pjtc.net/ (626) 798-1161
Staff and Officers Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center 1434 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, California 91107 (626) 798-1161 • (626) 798-8410 (Fax) http://www.pjtc.net/ info@pjtc.net
– PJTC Clergy and Staff – Gilbert Kollin – Rabbi Emeritus Ruth Berman Harris – Cantor Claire Gorfinkel - Caring Community Coordinator Sondra Dreshner - Gabbai Rabbi Becky Silverstein – Education Director Eitan Loewenstein –Religious School Assistant Bruce Applebaum – Operations Manager Melissa Levy – Youth Director Debra Bunting – Clergy Assistant Marian Rosen – Bookkeeper Robert Brown – Facilities Manager
– PJTC Officers – President – Faith Segal Secretary – Erich Schlecht Treasurer – Mickey Bernath Exec. VP Management – Jeff Landau Exec. VP Programs – Noah Golden-Krasner VP Administration – David Lorin VP Adult Programs – Ruth Several VP Youth Programs – Geoff DeBoskey VP Finance – Sandy Hartford VP Membership – Andrea Edwards VP Religious Affairs – Jacob Levy Planning Committee Chair – Brian Mark Sisterhood President – Debbie Guest Men's Club President – Andy Schwarz
– Board of Directors – Keri Axel, Valerie Grover, Liane Herbst,Haley Karish, Carol Rader-Meislin, Amy Richardson, Richard Samuelson, Carolyn Siegal, Nathan Temple, Roberta Tragarz
–Voting Past Presidents –
Phil Callahan, Cathy Krasner Matt Ober, Jonathon Weisz
From the Eugene and Marilyn Fingerhut Memorial History Project by Michael Several, Project Chair
For nearly ten years, beginning in the mid 1960s, a group of PJTC women produced a series of musicals at the temple, combining popular and wellknown music with an original libretto and lyrics. These productions reflected the changing role and self-perception Jewish women had of themselves and how they were perceived in the larger society. The last of the four original musicals, Blazing Girdles, presented on June 1, 1974, portrayed Jewish women who were influenced by the feminist movement. The show opens with Muriel singing a song describing herself as a new woman, disgusted at working in the kitchen. To calm her down, her husband, Walter, takes her to a movie, which turns out to be a disaster. From there, they go to the Machiah Lodge and meet three mercenary Jewish women. Disgusted by this, Muriel persuades Walter to leave the Machiah Lodge and go to a nearby Encounter Group. At the Encounter Group, Muriel and Walter meet a group of people immersed in various alternative paths to happiness. Here, the writers of the show portray the kind of people at the Encounter Group to the music of Hey, Look Me Over, of which the first four lines are: One sunny morning I got out of bed, Looked for my husband and found a frog instead. Some lousy witch, or something even worse, Put on my lover man such an evil curse. Muriel and Walter also meet a lesbian,
who is depicted in the negative stereotypic imagery of the time. Given the derogatory name of Doris Dyke, she is portrayed as having mental and emotional problems because of her sexual orientation. While the lyrics express the negativity felt by many at the time toward homosexuality, it now serves as a measure of how far we have come since the show was performed: I’m Doris Dyke, ever since I was a tyke I despised ruffles, frills and curly hair. I wish I had my way, and every day I pray That these bumps upon my chest should disappear. Seeing that people in the encounter group have problems they don’t have, Walter and Muriel leave. The show ends with the couple committing to work things out and learning to adjust and accept each other. To the music of the Colonel Bogey March, the show ends with Muriel and Walter laying out the purpose of the production: This is the play we wrote for you, We hope you’ve all enjoyed it too. We tried to make it modern, To show the problems that everyone shares. In a repeating section between the verses, they sing: What does a woman do all day When all of her children go away? She has her housework done by 10 Should she go shop, play bridge, chase men? More about plays at PJTC in future issues of the FLAME.
– The FLAME Staff – Bruce Applebaum – Layout Edie Taylor, Roz Scherr and Breyne Moskowitz – Editors Karen Hochman Brown – Advisor
Advertise in The FLAME Help offset the cost of our monthly publication while promoting your business or service. Business Card @ $20.00/month Quarter Page @ $35.00/month Half Page @ $70.00/month
Three month minimum. Discounted rates are available for longer running ads. Make your request at communications@pjtc.net The Communications Committee can assist you with ad copy and layout. The FLAME
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December 2015
Dear PJTCers, Words cannot express the gratitude our family feels for the outpouring of love, support, generosity, and concern during this challenging time. The countless notes, letters, emails, cards and donations made us feel so embraced, and helped us through, so thank you! We thank our President, Faith Segal, and the entire Board of Directors for their unwavering support, and immense generosity, after I made the difficult decision to step down. And we are so touched by the evening of appreciation that is happening on December 4th. As we see our way into the future as congregants of PJTC, we look forward to being a part of this community in new and different ways. Franci, Noah, Ella and I truly felt the embrace of the Shechina, God's divine presence on earth from our PJTC community, and we are forever grateful to each and every one of you. We say todah rabbah, above and beyond "thank you." Yehi Shalom B'chaleich, may there be peace in our dwellings. Blessings,, Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater
Shabbat Service Schedule 9:00 am - Torah Study Every Shabbat, Lounge*
9:30 AM - Shabbat in the Round (formerly Shabbat Rinah) Every Shabbat, Social Hall December 5 and 19 Knell Minyan: 9:30 AM - Knell Chapel *Except on b'nai mitzvah or other special occasions
Tot Shabbat Service
We are continuing PJTC Basketball for adults (high school age and above) at 8:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month.
December 4 6:45 PM -Knell Chapel
Come for an evening of togetherness, song and prayer!
Join Cantor Ruth and Judy Callahan, Director of B’nai Simcha Preschool for a half-hour Shabbat experience filled with music and movement for families with children age seven and under.
Most Fun Event of the Year!!
Saddle Up! February 20, 2016
Horse Racing Tournament With Prizes For Winners Presented by Men’s Club What's the difference between praying in temple and at the track? At the track you really mean it!
Dinner Included More Information Coming Soon! The FLAME
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December 2015
One Hour of Your Time to Help Foster Children
Long-time PJTC Members to be Honored and Recognized at the Federation 21st Annual Meeting
by Stephanie Ivler, Director of Foster Care & Adoptions at Bienvenidos
Will you donate one hour of your time on a Sunday afternoon to enrich the lives of foster children? Foster youth are a unique population within the larger group of vulnerable and at-risk youth. They have had little to no exposure to a world that is wide, rich and promising … the world that we here at PJTC take for granted. The barriers to their participation in community-based “mainstream” programs are multiple. Their lives are inherently unstable – transfers between homes, school changes and records that don’t follow them, backgrounds of physical and emotional neglect or abuse, and foster parents who, while they have opened homes and hearts, cannot afford the price of extracurricular activities. And even should foster parents be able to finance enrichment activities, the kids are reluctant or even afraid to open up and participate as the result of the trauma they have experienced that has thrust them into the foster care system to begin with. Their voices express the impact of these circumstances: “I want more fairness…. I wish for more understanding people… .I want to go somewhere that I know I will be loved…. I wish for people to accept me no matter what…. I wish to learn how to adapt to the environment…I wish somebody had told me what is wrong and what is right…I wish to change who I am right now…I wish to know how to respect other people’s strengths and weaknesses…. I wish to stop doubting.…I wish to go to college to be a photographer, actor, model.… I want to be successful all of my life….” “Please open up possibilities of a new life for us!” Every Sunday afternoon from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Bienvenidos gathers children and youth at its Montclair office with the goal of strengthening their self-images and enriching their lives. Might you help? Might you share a talent or an expertise? Music, theater, art…a tour of a science lab, an afternoon at a fascinating museum or botanical garden? Please email Stephanie Ivler, Director of Foster Care & Adoptions at Bienvenidos sivler@bienvenidos.org or (909) 447-7520. Many of you know that Stephanie is a long-time PJTC member, has taught in our Tihon program and served on our Board of Directors. On behalf of the children in foster care, Stephanie welcomes all ideas!
by Jason Moss, Executive Director, Jewish Federation
The Jewish Federation will be holding its 21st Annual Meeting on Sunday, January10, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center. The Annual Meeting is a chance to get an update on the work of the Jewish Federation, and how community dollars have been used to benefit and enhance Jewish life in the greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. This year the Jewish Federation will be honoring two community members: Josh Pais, Past President and long-time Board of Governor member of the Jewish Federation will be awarded the 2015 Volunteer of the Year award for the many years of volunteering and leadership he has given to the community. This year the Jewish Federation is also awarding a Jewish Professional of the Year award to Lisa Feldman (Weizmann Day School). Feldman has been at Weizmann Day School for over 20 years and Head of School for 13 of those years. Under her leadership, Weizmann has experienced significant growth, including the opening of a middle school in 2010. Tribute opportunities are available to honor our Volunteer of the Year and Jewish Professional of the Year. Zev Yaroslavsky, former member of the LA County Board of Supervisors and former PJTC teacher, will be giving the Keynote Address. He will review his 40 Years in L.A. Local Government.. In addition, the Jewish Federation will install its Officers and Board of Governors, including Marcia Alper as the Jewish Federation’s President, John Carlton as Vice President and George Roegler as CFO. A special thank you to Dr. Stu Miller as the outgoing President will be made as well. Reservations for the annual meeting are $30 and include an elegant catered buffet brunch. The RSVP deadline is Wednesday, January 6, 2016. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the Jewish Federation at (626) 445-0810 or send an email to federation@jewishsgpv.org. ******* The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys’ mission is to build community by strengthening and enhancing Jewish life. The Jewish Federation does this by providing programs and services that support the needs of the Jewish community in our region, and acts as the Jewish voice on issues that affect the greater Jewish community.
Adult Education Committee by Carol Sofer, Adult Ed Chair
Adult Ed has no special events scheduled for December other than the regular classes, Book Group and Documentary Discussion Group. The photos are from the November 1st breakfast co-sponsored by Adult Ed and Men’s Club, featuring Ellie Kahn, who talked about her Living Legacy program. About 40 people attended and everyone learned a lot Ellie Kahn from Ellie. Men’s Club graciously gave the Adult Education Committee the breakfast donations, which will go toward both paying the speaker and assisting Adult Ed with funding for our upcoming Scholar-in-Residence program, March 4-6, 2016.
The FLAME
Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 13 10:00 AM, Galpert Sanctuary
We will discuss and vote on the revised Constitution. A copy of the Constitution will be available prior to the meeting for all congregants.
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December 2015
Rabbi Galpert Scholarship Fund
Book Club
by Liz Green, Committee Chair
Please join us in our lively discussions of books and help us make decisions about choosing readings for future meetings. Books are available at Vroman’s at a 20% discount. We are listed as the PJTC Book Club. We meet on the second Thursday of the month, in the Lounge, at 7:30 PM. December 10, 2015 - Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. A set-in-hisways retired British officer tentatively courts a charming local widow of Pakistani descent. Unexpectedly entertaining, with a stiff-upperlip hero who transcends stereotype, this goodhearted debut doesn’t shy away from modern cultural and religious issues. January 14, 2016 - Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania, by Erik Larson. From this best-selling author and master of narrative nonfiction comes the enthralling story of the sinking of the Lusitania. On May 1, 1915, with WWI entering its tenth month, a luxury ocean liner sailed out of New York, bound for Liverpool, carrying a record number of children and infants. The passengers were surprisingly at ease, even though Germany had declared the seas around Britain to be a war zone. It is a story that many of us think we know but don’t, and it’s thrillingly told by Erik Larson.
We are so pleased to share with PJTC an excerpt from the Rabbi Maurice T. Galpert Scholarship recipient, Shelby Mills. She is the daughter of proud members Eric and Carol Mills. Mazels Tov to all! –The Rabbi Maurice T. Galpert Scholarship Committee I moved to Tacoma, Washington to complete my undergraduate studies at University of Puget Sound and soaked up every experience that I could. I joined the crew team and raced in my first regatta. I was having the time of my life, but I never lost sight of my career goal: speech pathology. I majored in psychology with a neuroscience emphasis in order to better understand language. I tailored each assignment in some way to speech pathology. I was curious how language develops, how Autism can affect communication, and so much more. I even found two local speech pathologists to shadow throughout my senior year. I had never felt so passionate about my education, or so sure of my direction. Graduation day was bittersweet. I celebrated, said my goodbyes, and moved to Oregon two days later. Pacific University had accepted my application for their postbaccalaureate program, designed to fulfill all of the prerequisites necessary for the masters program. I took a job at Starbucks and began making new friends, and ultimately a new life for myself. I dedicated my days off to volunteering at a local women’s shelter in an early literacy program for their young Spanish-speaking children. Bit by bit, I felt my life being pieced back together with meaningful relationships and experiences, and before I could blink, the post-bacc had ended. The day I was offered a place in Pacific’s masters program was one of the greatest moments of my life. I was overwhelmed by gratitude for my family who had supported me every step of the way, and for my professors that saw potential in me. I was determined to take every opportunity that the program offered me, and give everything I had back to it. I became the cohort president, and began planning events within our community. There were fundraisers to organize, guest speakers to host, and professional panels to plan, not to mention the potlucks and bake offs that helped bring my cohort closer together. When I look back at it all I find it hard to believe that just a year ago this all began, and in just a year it will all be over. So here I am, a student now for more than 21 years looking ahead to my future career. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that education and learning can grace a lifetime. Like the professionals from the medical panel, I want to spend my entire career learning and being challenged by new things. Rabbi Galpert unfortunately passed away before I ever had the chance to meet him. But I know from the legacy he left behind that he too was a lifelong learner and lover of education. For me, this scholarship is so much more than just money. It’s an absolute honor to even be considered based on the values of such a well-respected man. Sincerely, Shelby Mills
Bradford and Vicky Balmot Arcadia
Michael Schwartz and Michele Bielman La Verne
Jayne Kaplan Los Angels
Interfaith Study Group
by Cecilia Fox, PJTC representative on ISG Planning Committee with Norma Pratt.
No meeting in December. Sunday, January 10, 2016. We will meet at the Islamic Center of So. Calif., 434 S. Vermont, Los Angeles, 5:00-7:30 PM. Topic: Panel of Poets, PJTC’s Norma Pratt, Cheri Langdell, Islamic Center, and Anne Peterson, All Saints, will read their work. Carpool leaves North parking lot of All Saints Church promptly at 4:15 PM. ISG was founded in 2007 by members of PJTC, All Saints Church, and Islamic Center. Meetings rotate among the three locations, usually on the second Sunday of each month. A congenial group, interested in those of other faiths, we are respectful of each other, and all are welcome to join us. Our meetings conclude with a vegetarian potluck meal, so please bring an item if you can. For further detail/questions, please leave a message for Cecilia Fox at the PJTC office (626) 798-1161 or send her an email. The FLAME
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December 2015
It's Happening with Sisterhood How About Hosting An Oneg
A perfect Hanukkah Gift.... ....Sisterhood's "Family Favorites" Cookbook It's the perfect thoughtful gift for your friends and family members who enjoy cooking.
Do you have an event you would like to celebrate at one of our Friday night Onegs following Shabbat services? A birthday or anniversary, an upcoming or belated engagement or wedding celebration, the birth of a grandchild, a college graduation, a new job or promotion or anything else wonderful to share with your PJTC family? Please volunteer to host a Friday night Oneg following Shabbat services. Are you a member of our meditation group, a Mah Jongg or bridge group, knitters and knotters, the Theater Havurah, an adult education class or one of our basketball players? Organize your group and please volunteer to host a Friday night Oneg. Contact Arlene Weiss, Sisterhood Oneg Chair at (626) 445-5030 to reserve your date. She will provide you with a set of instructions to guide you through the details and will be available for assistance. Several dates are still available. Many thanks.
With over 260 recipes from 80 contributors, you will find family favorites from traditional briskets to modern vegetarian dishes to famous desserts and more. This cookbook is a must addition to the library of veteran or novice cooks and is a wonderful keepsake for a mere $25.00/ cookbook.
Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card (Mastercard or VISA) Available for purchase in the PJTC Gift Shop.
Sisterhood Fundraiser by Sue Hogan
Photo by Debbie Guest - Hogans and Paises at Blaze Pizza for Sisterhood Restaurant Night Fundraiser
Sisterhood’s Fundraiser at Blaze Pizza took place on November 10. From what I could see, it was a great success. During the one hour that I was there, I counted 16 people from the Temple. Hopefully, many others came during the rest of the dinner period. The comments I heard were all very positive; people seemed to enjoy their “self-designed” pizzas. Thanks to all who attended and supported our Sisterhood.
Rosh Chodesh elebration 5776
Wednesday, 7:30 PM January 13 Sisterhood welcomes the month of Shevat
DINING OUT?
Join Nite On The Town Get Great Savings At Local Restaurants And help support the Sisterhood of the Pasadena Jewish Temple
YOURS FOR ONLY $25 IT’S EASY TO USE:
Note the change to Wednesday evenings (no longer Thursdays) starting in January.
* For dinner visit each restaurant up to three times. On each visit with a party of two, your lowest priced entrée is free or substantially reduced in price. With a party of four or more your discount is increased substantially, sometimes even doubled. *Your membership is valid for dinner any evening thru December 30, 2016 * Your membership is valid for unlimited lunch visits at certain restaurants indicated in your directory. See directory for details. * Just include your Nite On The Town Card when paying your check and the restaurant will take care of the rest.
No Rosh Chodesh program in December. Questions to sisterhood@pjtc.net
Sisterhood Does it Again On Friday October 30, PJTC Sisterhood went above and beyond to put on a lovely Oneg in honor of Rabbi Mikie Goldstein, visiting from our sister temple in Rehovot, Israel. Many thanks to our Sisterhood Oneg Chair Arlene Weiss, and our talented Ricki Lane for their wonderful array of many tasty treats, as well as beautifully decorated tables. Many thanks go to Rob Anderson, who helped with set up and clean up. Sisterhood made sure that the congregants who turned out to welcome Rabbi Goldstein saw the best of what Sisterhood can do. If you would like to be a part of the Oneg committee, please contact Arlene Weiss at maur_arl@sbcglobal.net We are proud of our wonderful organization. Members are always ready to help when needed. If you are not already a member and would like to join Sisterhood, please contact Carol Mills at carolarmills@gmail.com. The FLAME
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS 2016
Akbar, Aro, Avanti, Carmines, Central Park, El Portal, Go China, The Italian Kitchen, La Fiesta Grande, Nikki C’s, Oba Sushi, Rice Thai Tapas, red white+bluezz, Stoney Point, Radhika, Café Mundial, Chang, The Derby, Los Gueros, Matt Denny’s, Opera, Tulipano, Villa Italia
TO ORDER
Send your check for $25 per membership to: Ruth Kaye, 170 N Grand Ave. # 306, Pasadena CA 91103-3520. Make check payable to: PJTC Sisterhood. 6
December 2015
PJTC Men’s Club and Adult Education Committee Co-Sponsor
Whitman Hanukkah Dinner
Michael Several’s Walking Tour THE JEWS OF OLD TOWN
Friday December 11 6:00 PM Social Hall Oneg hosted by Men's Club
(Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center’s Pre-Centenary Celebration)
10:00 to 11:30 AM, Sunday, January 17, 2016 Meet at the southeast corner of Colorado Blvd and Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena Walking tour will be followed by no host lunch at a local restaurant (Donation: $10 per person)
There is no charge for the dinner, but we must have your reservations by Monday, December 7. Reservations will not be accepted after that date. Call the PJTC office at 798-1161.
RSVP to the Temple office by December 7
Documentary Discussion Group Thursday, December 3 7:00 PM, Lounge
In 2021, our congregation will be celebrating its centenary. As the first of what will be a stream of different activities over the next five years commemorating this landmark event, we are conducting a walking tour of Pasadena’s Old Town to look at the places where Jews owned businesses in this historic area during the inter-war period. We will also look at the architecture that continues to give the streets their unique character, and learn how the type of businesses and their location were an early sign of the area’s post-war decline. RSVP: Michael Several at (323) 254-1487 or mseveral@ sbcglobal.net.
This latest PBS Video is The Jewish Journey: America, describing Jewish immigration to America through the centuries. We are honored to have our own Hal Barron as special guest. Hal is Professor of Humanities and Professor of History at Harvey Mudd College. The video begins by exploring what it meant to be part of a tight-knit Jewish community in a diverse range of countries and what prompted those families to leave their enclaves for America. The one-hour documentary premiered in March 2015. It will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments. Please RSVP to ghalpert@flash.net to assure adequate seating.
— Contact for Donations —
Donate to Temple Projects & Funds Order a Memorial Plaque Freeman Passover Fund Order Leaf/Stone on Tree of Life.... Temple Office (626) 798-1161 Shabbat b'Lev Music Fund ....................................... Cantor Ruth MAC Committee.................................................... Claire Gorfinkel PJTC Oral History Project....................................Michael Several Simcha & Memorial Tablecloths............................. Paula Waluch Sisterhood's Lena Berman Tribute Fund................... Roz Scherr Dedicate a Prayer Book....................................... Sheila Padlipsky Large Print Sim Shalom..................................................Roz Scherr Rabbi Galpert Memorial Fund......................................... Jan Pais Shirley Hoffman L.B. Silver Religious School........................................... Jan Pais Torah Fund Donations................................................Bobbi Sloan Judaica Shop................................................................Stacy Miller Sisterhood Kitchen Fund.....................................Nancy Copeland Women's Retreat Fund..........................................Nancy Copeland Madeline Mark Memorial Fund....................................Ruth Several
Mazel Tov: To Linda Elyad and Bill Finn and family on the marriage of her son Micah Freedman and Ashley Herron on October 31 on the beach at Sausalito, where the young couple live. To Karen Rosenthal and Clark Linstone, who were married on November 14, becoming another happy PJTC couple. The FLAME
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December 2015
The FLAME
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December 2015
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 7:30 PM The most lyrical [and] also the most searchingly spiritual of the “ex-frum” memoirs. --The New Yorker
E������� ��� H������������. --Wall Street Journal
Remarkable.... Careful and levelheaded. --Chicago Tribune
SHULEM DEEN Monrovia Library Community Room 321 S. Myrtle Ave. Monrovia 91016 No Charge—Book Signing & Refreshments Hosted by Jewish Federation
JEWISH FEDERATION
(626) 445-0810 or federation@jewishsgpv.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 7:30 PM “Katz engagingly recounts fascinating stories in an insightful, intelligent, sometimes wistful and sometimes funny style that makes this one of the few rock memoirs worth reading from beginning to end.” -Publishers Weekly
I wish to express my thanks for the many cards, donations and messages sent to me on the occasion of my brother Seth Kollin's death. While there are too many for me to respond to individually I want to assure you that each and every one is deeply appreciated.
STEVE KATZ FORMER MEMBER OF BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS WILL PERFORM LIVE WHILE SHARING HIS STORY.
Location: PJTC, 1434 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena 91107 Dessert Reception $18 Advance / $20 Door Co-hosted by PJTC Sisterhood
Rabbi Gill Kollin
JEWISH FEDERATION
To RSVP or for more info (626)445-0810 or jewishsgpv.org/forms
PJTC Annual Blood Drive for Huntington Hospital
Wednesday, December 16 • 12:00 - 6:30 PM In the past, PJTC congregants and friends had the most successful blood drives in the area!
Let’s earn back our reputation! Email stacy.miller@huntingtonhospital. com to schedule a time. (Allow 45 minutes) Encourage your teen! Teens must be at least16 years old and have a parent’s permission. Bring a friend (or two)!
One pint saves 3 lives!
The FLAME
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December 2015
Yahrzeits for December (announced Fri/Sat preceding the date) Kislev 19
December 01, 2015
Jules Gerber Israel Knell Meyer Weinberg Kislev 20
December 02, 2015
Kislev 28
December 03, 2015
Kislev 22
December 04, 2015
Kislev 29
Kislev 23
December 05, 2015
Morris Borok Albert Cousens Theodore Marks James Martin Paul Van Dellen Maymie Weisz Lena Yates Kislev 24
December 06, 2015
Donald Engelhardt Milton Goldberg Sidney Smolens Kislev 25
Kislev 30
Tevet 1
Tevet 2
Raymond Kievman Louis Lampert Basha Newman Samuel Raichlen Miriam Silverman Ann Slater Sara Wilson Kislev 27
Tevet 7
Tevet 4
Tevet 8
December 16, 2015
Tevet 5
Tevet 9
Tevet 17
December 22, 2015
Matthew Nortman Tevet 11
December 23, 2015
Tevet 18
December 24, 2015
Phyllis Costell Lester Girsh Theodore Rosner Jeffrey Skolnik Josephine Tobias Steve Weiner Tevet 13
December 25, 2015
Donald Alderman Annie Brown Abraham Fishman Rachel Ginsberg Sol Hofstadler Mike Polan Larisse Rosentweig Klein Fred Schwarz Gloria Spicer Tevet 14
December 30, 2015
Bernard Butnik Vitto Cizzi Sam Feuer Diana Frey Sylvia Goldman Rabbi Abraham Heschel Edward Paioff Sophie Parsons
Julius Goodman Steven Levander Sam Marion Emanuel Scherr Tevet 12
December 29, 2015
Leonard Abend Harvey Cohen Sam Goldman Esther Julius Louis Katz Joseph Maitless Marshall Miller Lyle Neal Madyln Primack Steven Reichenbach Sherry Weinberg Timothy Weiner
December 21, 2015
Tevet 10
December 28, 2015
Sylvia Ashkenas Harriet Braiker Abe Davidson Sarah Kalter Dvosya Mintskovsky Lillian Roth
Elizabeth Meikle Arthur Miller Mildred Reff Edmond Rourman Anne Surfas
December 17, 2015
Steve Allen Dorothy Holland Andrew Marderosian Martin Rosenbaum Leib Sloan Marcus Wohlman Ralph Wolveck
Tevet 16
William Cohan Phyllis Ledeen Rebecca Scharf Thomas Shulman
Tevet 19
December 31, 2015
Daniel Hermanson Adela Licht Esther Sokoloff Lillian Taus Solly Van Der Wyk
December 26, 2015
David Davidson David Moskowitz Isaac Polan Juana Procupez Herta Rothstein
MiShaberach List Update
By Roz Scherr, PJTC Ritual Committee
Honor Loved Ones at PJTC Memorial Plaques
Having our clergy read out the names of ill or injured congregants, family and friends, plus saying a prayer for their healing is a special part of our regular Saturday morning service. However, our list can get overly long, as we don’t always know when to remove names of people who are back in good health again. To try to help manage our list, we would like to keep a name on the list for only one month, UNLESS YOU TELL US DIFFERENT. We’re certainly more than willing to keep names on longer if requested! But for short-term illnesses or accidents, we’re hoping that one month will be enough. The FLAME
December 20, 2015
December 27, 2015
Barney Hokin Raymond Lowitz
Philip Zaban
December 15, 2015
Harold Goldberg Maurice Melvin Ruth Smolens
Tevet 15
December 19, 2015
Charles Finesod Muriel Frankel Lyle Eastman Neal Rose Weprinsky
December 09, 2015
Genevieve Burten Isaac Fuhrman Morrie Greenberg Jack Katzman Dylan Kurey Solomon Lewin Rose Maslin Charles H. Meiselman Renee Rosenblum Naftali Liezer Rosentweig Lenore Samuels Blanche Shapiro Rosalyn Smith
December 14, 2015
Elza Blacher Jessie Gerber Lois Tankel Handler Jack Lewin Nathan Roth Gerald Surfas Sam Winograd Tevet 3
Nathan Chason Ruth Friedman John Hillilson Judith Singer Julius Spielberg Gertrude Tornek Jerome Jules Waisman
December 13, 2015
Jonathan Ellis Samuel Fink Arthur Slifkin
December 07, 2015
December 08, 2015
December 12, 2015
Jennie Gold Benjamin Lorber Hanah Nisenbaum Josephine Constance Samuels Jean Silverman Daniel Singer
Donald Brewart Catherine Walter Kislev 26
December 18, 2015
December 11, 2015
Iris Brown Harry Cooper Harold Hurwitz Josephine Mirando Pauline Stein Howard Taus Pearl Wagner
Earl Carlson Mildred Gould Elizabeth Moskowitz Fredric Raichlen David Spira
Tevet 6
Martha Handin Herbert Robinson
Lillian Splaver Kislev 21
December 10, 2015
To commemorate a life and memorialize the Yahrzeit of your loved one, you may place a bronze plaque in the entrance to the sanctuary. On the eve of the Yahrzeit, the small light will be turned on and the person’s name will be mentioned from the Bimah at the time of the Kaddish prayer. The cost is $350. The script can include 3 or 4 lines and a maximum of 30 spaces. In addition, the name is included in the yearly Yom Kippur Yizkor booklet. For additional information and to place an order, contact Bruce at the Temple office. 10
December 2015
November Donations General Fund
Anita Borrus in celebration of the marriage of Karen Rosenthal and Clark Linstone, with best wishes and love on this joyous occasion Jakki & Michael Sencer with congratulations to John & Debbie Guest on the birth of their first granddaughter, Emma Grace Bowling Jakki & Michael Sencer with congratulations to Amy & Landis Richardson on the birth of their son, Connor Whitman Richardson Jakki & Michael Sencer with congratulations to Sandy & Alan Whitman on the birth of their grandson, Connor Whitman Richardson Jakki & Michael Sencer with congratulations to Lee & Mickey Segal on the birth of their grandson, Jayden Jack Longenecker Leonard Lipton & Barbara Weisenberg in memory of Seth Kollin, beloved brother of Rabbi Gil Kollin Carole Grant in memory of Seth Kollin, beloved brother of Rabbi Gil Kollin
Sisterhood Tributes
To Shelby Mills & family in honor of her receiving the Galpert Scholarship, from Ginny & Ira Blitz To Josh Pais in honor of his being named “Volunteer of the Year” at the upcoming Jewish Federation annual meeting in January, from Marcia Alper and Edie Taylor To Lisa Feldman in honor of her being named “Jewish Professional of the Year” at the upcoming Jewish Federation annual meeting in January, from Marcia Alper and Edie Taylor To Karen Rosenthal & Clark Linstone in honor of their marriage, from Marcia Alper, Edie Taylor, and Jan & Josh Pais To Andrea Edwards & Brian Mark in honor of their upcoming wedding, from Debbie & John Guest To Louise Wanier & family in honor of the marriage of her son Tim to Kelly Roberts, from Jan & Josh Pais To Linda Elyad & family in honor of the marriage of her son Micah Freedman to Ashley Herron, from Kathy Kobayashi & Hal Barron To Barry Segal in honor of the birth of his new great-grandson, Jayden Jack Longenecker, from Debbie & John Guest To Lee & Mickey Segal in honor of the birth of their new grandson, Jayden Jack Longenecker, from Jan & Josh Pais To Sandy & Alan Whitman in honor of the birth of their new grandson, Connor Whitman Richardson, from Jan & Josh Pais To Debbie & John Guest in honor of the birth of their new granddaughter, Emma Grace Bowling, from Jan & Josh Pais To Natalie & Eitan Trabin in honor of the birth of their new son, Mischa Pele Trabin, from Jan & Josh Pais To the Levine Grater family sending good wishes, from Pearl & Vance Tyree To Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater, thinking of him & wishing him good health, from Marcia Alper To Allen Emmerich, wishing him a speedy recovery & return to good health, from Debbie & John Guest and Edie Taylor To Hilary Jacobs & family in memory of her beloved mother, Judy Nelson, from Stacy & Stu Miller To Paul Spiegel & family in memory of his beloved father, Joseph Spiegel, from Jan & Josh Pais To Janet Kadin & family in memory of her beloved mother, Zita Schatzberg, from Jan & Josh Pais To Rabbi Gil Kollin & family in memory of his beloved brother, Seth Kollin, from Pearl & Vance Tyree, Debbie & John Guest, Linda & Paul Rourman, Ruth Kaye, Joan & Jerry Halpert, Marilyn & Marty Kirschen, Jan & Josh Pais, and Anita & Jeff Landau To Josh Pais & family in memory of his beloved brother, Gregg Pais, from Linda & Paul Rourman, Mary Ann & Mickey Bernath, Connie & Art Taus, Edie Taylor, Nancy & John Carlton, Aty & Howard Rotter, Kathy Kobayashi & Hal Barron, Debbie & John Guest, Ginny & Ira Blitz, and Anita & Jeff Landau To Ed Honowitz & family in memory of his beloved aunt, Bea Davis, from Aty & Howard Rotter, Marcia Alper, and Kathy Kobayashi & Hal Barron To Marian Rosen in memory of her beloved mother, Ruth Rosenberg, from Edie Taylor, Marcia Alper, Stacy & Stu Miller, Mary Ann & Mickey Bernath, Kathy Kobayashi & Hal Barron, Debbie & John Guest, Ginny & Ira Blitz, Anita & Jeff Landau, and Jan & Josh Pais
Galpert Scholarship Fund
Roza Kuppermann in memory of her mother, Tema Davidson Robert Aronoff Shirley Hoffman, in memory of Sue Galpert’s brother, Alan Friedman Shirley Hoffman for Eric Mills & family in memory of their father, grandfather & great-grandfather, Clayton Mills
Shabbes Minyan Fund Jayne Kaplan
Union Station
Karen Levin Martha Ruffman
USY
Men’s Club in memory of Gregg Pais, brother of Josh Pais Men’s Club in memory of Seth Kollin, brother of Rabbi Kollin
Yahrzeit Donations to General Fund Donated by: Alice Shulman Pearl Tyree Irving Feuer Irving Feuer Stacy Miller Stu Miller Ruth Marcus Peggy Schiffman Peter Kahn Jane Fishman Peter Braun Marvin Donner Peter Mendel Pauline Witkin Pauline Witkin Pauline Witkin Pauline Witkin Peter Dreier Liz Green Cecilia Fox Cecilia Fox George Hassman Anita Merzel-Todd Mark Rothenberg Barbara Weisenberg Fritz & Hilde Gottfeld Helen Auerbach
The FLAME
In Memory of: Father-in-law, Philip Shulman Mother, Jean Frechtman Father, Alexander Feuer Mother, Bertha Feuer Stepson, James Woolsey Grandmother, Dorothy Patrick Mother, Minnie Weissman Father, Stanley Bekey Father, Joe Seldon Kahn Father, Irwin Sameth Mother, Tamar Braun Grandfather, David Genss Grandfather, Sam Freeling Uncle, Morris Finesod Husband, Donald Eli Witkin Aunt, Shana Sergie Grandmother, Sarah Silberblatt Father, Theodore Dreier Mother, Yetta Engelhardt Father, Charles Todd Mother Pauline Todd Father, Rubin Hassman Husband, Mark Todd Father, Morris Rothenberg Grandfather, Morris Retsky Mother, Emma Gottfeld Father, Charles Reuben Todd
We're Sitting Still Here Have you ever wanted to learn about or try Jewish meditation? Every Tuesday morning (except on Jewish holidays) at 7:30 AM, a small group gathers to sit in silence in Wohlmann Hall at PJTC. After about half an hour, we check in and someone brings a brief teaching for us to discuss, or possibly chant. Then we return to silence and close by 8:30 AM. Everyone is welcome; no experience is necessary. Come and try it! For further information or to be added to our email list for updates, please contact Claire Gorfinkel. 11
December 2015
December Birthdays December 1 ............ Isaac Ergas Peter Nortman December 2 ........Aaron Hartford Diedre Rosen Michelle Seery December 3 ....Barbara Bushnell Eli Diner Morris Weiss December 4 ...................Michael Baden-Campbell Talia Puni Jennifer Svonkin December 6 ............Leo Barston Miriam Popilsky Mona Shulman December 7 ....Nathaniel Booker Elizabeth Conovitz December 8 ..... Noah Holland Moritz
December 9 .......... Allie Hartford Steve Leonard Ruth Saffman December 10 ... Rochelle Kaplan David Kurs Melvin Spicer Lisa Wilcox December 11 ........Xzavier Miller Noah Sheklow John Sigoloff Jeffrey Silverstone December 12 ............Scott Kuhn Czeska Markham Dani Michaeli Ari Raz Ruth Roberts Annette Sharfstein Michael Silver Gail Snyder December 13 ........ Lucy Barston Janet Borrus Allie Diamond Diana Fisher George Roegler Jonathan Shatzmiller December 14 Terry Earll Filiberto Lujan Doris Segall Aaron Weiss
and Anniversaries Semyon and Bella Tsarovsky .............................................12/4/1964 Michael and Janet Klekner .................................................12/4/1977 Edward and Barbara Gomperts . ......................................12/12/1967 James and Denise Schaefer ............................................12/15/1974 Izak and Faye Langholz ...................................................12/18/1954 Otto and Irene Kahn .........................................................12/18/1986 Scott and Jennifer Svonkin . .............................................12/18/1999 Ronnie and Priscilla Kershner ..........................................12/20/2013 Jeffrey and Anita Landau . ................................................12/21/1967 Bryan Langholz and Susan Auerbach ..............................12/21/1986 Raul Martinez and Bonnie Pais-Martinez .........................12/21/1996 Josh and Jan Pais ............................................................12/25/1956 Kenneth and Ellie Gerst ...................................................12/25/1966 Mike and Valerie Kronsburg .............................................12/27/2003 Joel and Sheila Padlipsky ................................................12/28/1957 Josh and Sharon Goldberg .......................#40.................12/28/1975 Gideon and Janice Markham ...........................................12/30/2000
December 15 ........... Cecilia Fox Fidelia Klein Anita Landau December 16 ...... Chase Gaither Sondra Hauge Maxwell Ho Alex Levin Karen Levin Ella Moss Cary Presant December 17 ....... Amelia Dreier Sarah Dreier December 18 ........ Lucas Brown December 19 .... Suzy Dalrymple December 20 ...Jess Dominguez Matt Ober Jacob Tragarz December 21 ... Raymond Gould Lauren Hartford Dan Raz December 22 .......... Karen Chan December 23 ............Ruth Failer Susan Galpert Henry Zimmerman December 24 ......... Chris Bogad Larry Cousens Delfina Penaloza Tamara Silver Semyon Tsarovsky December 25 ....... Hilde Gottfeld Anita Merzel-Todd December 26 .....Andrew Kindler Leah Sloan December 27 ...................Landis Richardson December 28 .......Michael Beller Gabriel Gutierrez Annabella Tornek December 29 ........ Douglas Axel Antonio Bacigalupi Hal Barron Craig Copeland Rebecca Gaither Betty Krachman Brian Mark December 30 ...... Nadia Brewart Jerome Kaplan December 31 ......... Marin Knight
Thanks to Our November Volunteers PJTC offers our members a variety of ways to be of service to the Temple. Those who are able to give of their time are vital to sustaining our community. To host an Oneg, call Arlene Weiss. To host a Kiddush, call Roz Scherr. Nov. 6/7 Nov. 13/14 Nov. 20/21 Nov. 27/28
Gabbai'im
Sondra Dreshner Mickey Butnik
Jacob Levy Erich Schlecht
Roz Scherr
Torah, Haftorah and Kohelet Readers
Mark Chodos Noah Golden-Krasner Raina Markham
Learn to Juggle Tuesdays, 6:15 - 8:45 PM Social Hall
Darrell Cozen Ella Grater Roz Scherr
Office Volunteers
Ryna Aviram Ginny Blitz Jerry Halpert Ruth Kaye Marlene Reichenbach George Roegler Edie Taylor Arlene Weiss
Sondra Dreshner Jacob Levy Erich Schleht Judy Ellis Sheila Padlipsky Roz Scherr
Host a Kiddush
The South Pasadena Juggling Club is meeting Tuesday evenings at PJTC. Join us and we'll teach you how to juggle, unicycle, and other unmarketable skills. We provide equipment, just show up and have fun. For PJTC members and friends, ages 9 and up. Cost: Free (a small donation to help cover cost would be appreciated) The FLAME
Oneg & Kiddush Hosts
Oneg hosted by Sisterhood Kiddush hosted by Rob Anderson on honor of his mother Margaret's 87th birthday Oneg hosted by Andrea Edwards and Brian Mark in honor of their engagement. Kiddush hosted by the Shabbes Minyan Group Oneg and Kiddush hosted by Janice and Gideon Markham in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Raina Oneg hosted by Sisterhood Kiddush hosted by the Shabbes Minyan Group
For the month of December, here's what we've got: Dec 12 and 26, each an unclaimed Shabbat. It would be a great mitzvah & absolutely grand if you'd volunteer to help feed our band. Contact Roz to adopt your chosen date. Our minyan folks will think you're great! 12
December 2015
We Are Collecting: By Edie Taylor
Used cell phones – LBSRS is collecting, look for their box in the workroom. Printer ink cartridges - bring to Bruce Used eye glasses, clear and sunglasses, also hearing aids - box in Workroom Toiletries from hotels, all sizes - box in Workroom - goes to Union Station Plastic bottles - recycled by USY, container in the back of main building. Aluminum cans - also recycled by USY, place in blue barrel in back of building Yarn, 4-ply acrylic, all colors, used to make afghans for Huntington Hospital and County/USC Pediatric Dept. Bring to my attention. No wool, please! Remember the Foothill Unity Center barrels near the entrance to Wohlmann Hall. You may drop canned food in the lobby. Clothing, household items, and anything that they may be able to sell in their Thrift Shop to raise funds for the food bank should go in the barrels at the Wohlmann entrance. These are all mitzvah makers. Everything is recyclable. Call me if you have larger home furnishings. Edie Taylor, (626)-792-1237 or edie@pjtc.net.
Factory Trained Technicians
(626)792-5879 (800) 300-2532 3230 E. Colorado Blvd. (Between San Gabriel and Rosemead)
Rourman Tallitot
Safety and Security At our events and services, kids are great but remember our staff has a lot on its plate. Keeping children safe is an important thing to do but parents and grandparents, it’s up to YOU!
Beautiful Hand Embroidered Custom Tallitot made to order
Pashmina style tallesim as low as $100.00
Custom Judaica • Mazel Tov bags
• Chuppahs • Challah covers • Matzoh covers and more
Call Linda Rourman (626) 447-7252 LKR_48@yahoo.com www.Rourmantallitot.com -Temple Member-
The FLAME
13
December 2015
Looking for a menorah? Your PJTC Judaica Shop has them … lots of them! ... in all price ranges. Everything you need for Hanukkah, and everything you don't need for Hanukkah, is waiting for you. Don’t forget to buy candles: Our first Hanukkah light is on Sunday evening, December 6! The Judaica Shop is now open an additional day, on Fridays 10 AM-12 PM. Stop in and meet Florence, our newest volunteer!
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December 2015
To view the December FLAME calendar, please click Here
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